Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to UN Goodwill Ambassador, Congolese Doctor for Fighting Sexual Violence
Nadia Murad, a Yazidi rights activist and the first Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist who helps victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.
The decision to jointly-award the prestigious prize, has the potential to help end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, the UN said – a cause which is central to the Organization’s work.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, said that “in defending the victims of sexual violence in conflict, they have defended our shared values.”
He praised Dr. Mukwege’s “fearless” championing of women raped and abused in conflict, repairing “shattered bodies” as a skilled surgeon but also restoring “dignity and hope”.
Ms. Murad, he said, had given voice to “unspeakable abuse” in northern Iraq, when Dae’sh terrorists brutally targetted the Yazidi ethnic minority in 2014. “She has pursued support for victims of human trafficking and sexual slavery, and justice for perpetrators.”
The UN chief said the award was part of a “growing movement to recognize the violence and injustice” faced by women and girls, the world over.
“Ten years ago, the Security Council unanimously condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war. Today the Nobel Committee recognized the efforts of Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege as vital tools for peace,” said Mr. Guterres.
“By honouring these defenders of human dignity, this prize also recognizes countless victims around the world who have too often been stigmatized, hidden and forgotten. This is their award, too… Let us honour these new Nobel laureates by standing up for victims of sexual violence everywhere.”
Welcoming the announcement by the academy in Oslo, Norway, on behalf of the UN in Geneva earlier in the day, spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci explained that eradicating sexual violence in conflict remains a priority.
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“I will recall that this is a cause that is very close to the United Nations and as you know we have a Special Representative [on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, who is also working in towards this,” Ms. Vellucci said. “I’m sure that this Nobel Peace Prize will help advance the cause of ending sexual violence as a weapon of conflict. Congratulations to the winners.”
Ms. Patten said that “today’s recognition of two champions in the fight to end wartime rape is an inspiration for all of us working in this field,” adding that it shone “a spotlight on a crime that has long been hidden in the shadows of history and sends a strong message that all the women, girls, men and boys who have suffered sexual violence, deserve justice and redress.”
The joint prize was also welcomed by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which appointed Ms. Murad Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking in 2016.
UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov hailed Ms. Murad’s courage and resilience saying that it “reminds us that we must always listen to the people who have been most affected and harmed by the crimes we seek to stop”.
The testimonies of survivors like Ms. Murad “must inform and strengthen our efforts to achieve justice”, Mr. Fedotov added.
Her advocacy has helped to establish what Mr. Guterres described as “a vitally important” UN investigation, “of the harrowing crimes that she and so many others endured.”
‘The man who mends women’
Dubbed by the press “the man who mends women,” Dr. Mukwege gained international recognition for his work and had earned much recognition, including the UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 2008, and the Sakharov prize in 2014.
Dr. Mukwege, who has treated thousands of rape victims at his hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been shortlisted for the Nobel Prize several times.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Denis Mukwege, Director and Founder of Panzi General Referral Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Nobel academy’s decision to honour Dr. Mukwege is in recognition of his years of work as one of DRC’s most prominent rights defenders.
As a surgeon, he is known for helping survivors of rape in eastern DRC and he was the focus of a film, The Man Who Mends Women.
He experienced conflict at first hand in the region, when patients and staff at the hospital he ran were reportedly killed by soldiers.
After founding a hospital offering free medical care to victims of terrible sexual abuse and violence, Dr. Mukwege turned to advocacy, after reportedly realizing that some rape survivors were the daughters of women who had been raped years earlier.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said shortly after the announcement that it was “hard to imagine two more worthy winners.”
“This is richly deserved recognition of these two extraordinarily brave, persistent and effective campaigners against the scourge of sexual violence, and the use of rape as a weapon of war,” she added.
“Nadia and Denis, I’m sure I speak for all human rights defenders, when I say we salute you, we admire you beyond words. You have fought for the pain women have suffered through sexual abuse to be recognized and confronted, and for their dignity to be restored. We need more people to stand up the way you have stood up for the rights of women, for justice, for the rights of minorities, for the rights of everyone.”
The Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said she was celebrating “these gender quality leaders, along with their care and trust of women.”
“There can be no peace while women and girls are raped with impunity as a tactic of war. The 2018 Peace Laureates are doing vital work to bring visibility and voice to this violation of women’s rights and to bring justice to women and girls brutally harmed by sexual violence in conflict.
Within the UN, the issue of eradicating sexual violence in conflict has long been a top priority.
This work is carried out in collaboration with Member States by Special Representative on Sexual Violence, Pramila Patten of Mauritius, who also holds the rank of UN Under‑Secretary-General. Her Office was established in 2009 by UN Security Council resolution 1888; its first representative was Margot Wallström of Sweden.
The UN Security Council resolution was one in a series which recognized the harmful impact that sexual violence has on communities, while also undermining peace and security once conflict has ended.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
As a strong advocate for human rights, I truly believe that the joint awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege is a significant step towards combating sexual violence as a tool of war. Their relentless efforts in providing support and seeking justice for the victims are commendable and inspiring. Let’s hope this recognition will amplify their important work and lead to tangible change in ending such atrocities.
It’s truly inspiring to see individuals like Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege being recognized for their relentless efforts in combating sexual violence. The joint awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize emphasizes the urgency to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, a critical mission for the UN. Dr. Mukwege’s dedication to repairing both bodies and spirits, and Ms. Murad’s bravery in advocating for victims, showcase the unwavering commitment needed for true change.
Do you think this joint award for fighting sexual violence will have a significant impact on ending its use as a weapon of war?
Emily_Smith123, I believe that the joint award recognizing the efforts of Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege sends a powerful message in the global fight against sexual violence as a tool of conflict. By honoring their dedicated work, we bring attention to the urgent need to address and prevent such atrocities, ultimately contributing to the efforts to end this cruel practice.
How remarkable are the efforts of these Nobel laureates in combating sexual violence! I wonder how their work will impact global perceptions and policies on this issue?
EmilySmith81, the work of these Nobel laureates is indeed remarkable and has the potential to significantly influence global perceptions and policies on combating sexual violence. Their dedication to defending the victims and advocating for justice is truly inspiring, setting an example for the world to follow.
It’s inspiring to see individuals such as Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad receive recognition for their relentless efforts in combating sexual violence. The power of their work in restoring dignity and hope for survivors cannot be understated, and I believe their joint award for the Nobel Peace Prize will contribute significantly towards ending the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
The decision to jointly-award the prestigious prize, has the potential to help end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, the UN said – a cause which is central to the Organization’s work. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, said that “in defending the victims of sexual violence in conflict, they have defended our shared values.” He praised Dr. Mukwege’s “fearless” championing of women raped and abused in conflict, repairing “shattered bodies” as a skilled surgeon but also restoring “dignity and hope”. Ms. Murad, he said, had given voice to “unspeakable abuse” in northern Iraq, when Dae’sh terrorists brutally targetted the Yazidi ethnic minority in 2014. “She has pursued support for victims of human trafficking and sexual slavery, and justice for perpetrators.” The UN chief said the award was part of a “growing
The decision to jointly-award the prestigious prize has the potential to help end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. I believe that this recognition highlights the crucial work being done to support and protect victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Kudos to both Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege for their dedication and commitment to this important cause.
How have these individuals impacted the ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict zones worldwide?
It’s heartening to see the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to individuals who dedicate themselves to combating such heinous crimes. Ms. Murad and Dr. Mukwege truly exemplify the unwavering courage needed to tackle the grave issue of sexual violence in conflict zones. Their work not only heals physical wounds but also restores dignity and inspires hope for a better, more just world.
It is truly inspiring to see individuals like Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege being recognized for their courageous efforts to combat sexual violence. The joint award not only acknowledges their important work but also highlights the urgent need to address this pervasive issue. Their dedication to supporting survivors and seeking justice for victims is commendable and their actions undoubtedly contribute to making the world a better place.
It’s truly inspiring to see the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to individuals who are actively combatting sexual violence. Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege have shown immense dedication to their cause and deserve this recognition. I hope this helps bring more attention to the issue and brings positive change.